Huntsville, AR
Our Mission: To strengthen the understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of land, water, and wildlife in the Ozarks. Our Vision: Everyone should have the opportunity to connect with the outdoors. We inspire and educate our community to protect the Ozarks. Since 1992, we've been the only overnight science center in Arkansas. We've hosted more than 100,000 students through field trips, camps, and workshops.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Fledgling Camp is the perfect introduction to overnight adventures—but it's not just for first-time campers. Whether it's your child's very first night away from home or they've experienced camp before, this safe, fun-filled stay lets kids discover nature, make friends, and try hands-on science. Join small, age-appropriate groups for hikes and activities, building friendships and confidence. Hosted at ONSC's Main Campus, Fledgling Camp is the perfect way for kids to start—or continue—their love of nature, science, and overnight adventures.
ONSC's Main Campus is located in Madison County, Arkansas, between Huntsville and Eureka Springs. We are the only residential overnight science center in Arkansas. We have 8 miles of hiking trails within Bear Hollow Natural Area, managed cooperatively by ONSC and AR Natural Heritage Commission. We are tucked within the 14,500-acre McIlroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area, managed by AR Game and Fish Commission.
Throughout camp, campers learn essential outdoor and backpacking skills, including how to pack lightly and efficiently, how to dress appropriately for camping and canoeing trips, how to set up a tent and keep gear organized and dry, how to properly hang a food bag to deter animals, how to safely start a campfire and cook over a fire, how to wash and care for camping dishes, how to use a basic first aid kit, and how to troubleshoot common camping challenges, including wet gear, windy weather, starting a fire, minor injuries, and basic compass use.
We have a limited number of free tickets for parent chaperones. We will need at least one male and one female chaperone for each age group with a maximum of 6 total chaperones. We strive to assign chaperones to field groups that don't include their own child(ren), to allow all students an authentic feeling of 'camp independence.' However, exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. An interview and background check are required to become a chaperone.
2026-11-21 – 2026-11-23
$300
Overnight camp
EFA funds accepted. Additional ticket service fee of $7.50 applies. Free chaperone tickets available.
Dates, rates & eligibility ↗Campers will spend three nights at our Main Campus immersed in nature, science, and hands-on fun—both day and night. Embark on guided hikes and field investigations to observe wildlife and explore ecosystems. Experience night hikes and evening activities that showcase the wonders of the outdoors after dark. Get creative with eco-art projects, inspired by the natural beauty around them. Cool off with water games and splashy summer fun. Practice nature journaling, recording discoveries and reflections. Dive into hands-on science lessons that make learning about the Ozarks exciting and interactive.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Day 1: Downtime on the Deck (4:30pm), FrogWatch Class (6:30pm), Night hike (7:30pm), overnight in ONSC lodges with chaperones. Day 2: Radio Tracking Class (9am), Eco-art and activities (1pm), Orienteering Class and Field Investigation guided hike (2pm), Recreation Time (6:30pm), Astronomy in field (8pm), overnight in ONSC lodges with chaperones. Day 3: Ornithology Class and Binoculars Orientation (9am), Herpetology Class and Meet Cornelia the Corn Snake (1pm), Water Play Time (2pm), Lunar Cycles Class (6:30pm), Campfire with Fire Building Lesson, Lorax play, and S'mores (7:30pm). Day 4: Field Investigation with Creek Critters Class guided hike (9am), Group Photo and Camp Stories (4pm).
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Students will stay in ONSC's lodges, and will be assigned to rooms by age and gender. Campers stay in our comfortable, climate-controlled lodges and are assigned to rooms by age and gender. Throughout the weekend, we'll enjoy delicious, kid-friendly meals in our dining hall.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗ONSC is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of staff and visitors. ONSC staff are trained in First Aid and CPR and may treat campers for minor illnesses and injuries. In the case of a minor injury or illness, ONSC staff may administer over-the-counter medication. In the case of a sting, bite, or other allergic reaction, ONSC staff trained in First Aid will administer oral antihistamines and/or epinephrine if necessary.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗We strive to make ONSC programs accessible and affordable for all. In addition to ONSC's regular scholarship fund, we have been given a generous grant from the Walton Family Foundation so we can provide more camp scholarships.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗